Ruler’s concern at ‘chaotic landscape’
Dr Sheikh Sultan says the Arab world is in a critical state of flux
SHARJAH // The Ruler of Sharjah has warned that the Arab world is at a critical juncture, the regional landscape is in flux and that the media has a responsibility to report fairly and accurately. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi was speaking as he inaugurated the International Government Communication Forum in Sharjah yesterday.
“The Arab world today stands at a critical phase. Things are changing at a rapid speed. The regional landscape is in a state of flux – making it difficult to differentiate right from wrong.
“We see the enlightened moving towards darkness. Honesty is being taken over by falsehood,” Dr Sheikh Sultan said.
“The question is – where is the media in this chaotic landscape and what is its role? Propaganda, dissemination of false news to mislead the public, validation of sources of information and respect for privacy – all of these are serious components in the world of journalism that need to be handled sensitively.”
Dr Sheikh Sultan said the media had a duty to report the truth, but freedom of expression was also paramount.
“He must demonstrate ethics in reporting the truth with accuracy, integrity and fairness,” he told an audience that included Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mikhail Gorbachev, the forum’s guest of honour and the last leader of the Soviet Union; and Felipe Calderon, a former president of Mexico. “On their part, media professionals have rights that should be guaranteed by the law, including the freedom of expression, the right to criticise, the freedom of access to sources.”
Dr Gargash also spoke during the first session yesterday and said there were still issues the UAE had to work on, such as the handling of labourers.
But, he said, the UAE was a progressive and dynamic country and improvements could always be made.
Dr Gargash said it was a challenge to avoid getting consumed in regional conflicts.
“The UAE being a success in a rough neighbourhood doesn’t mean we are benefiting from the turbulences of other neighbours,” he said. “It would be better for us to be an attractive destination in a stable region.
“The UAE has taken an open path towards investment and economy, and ensured continuity of its progress,” said Dr Gargash, adding that the country was on the right track.
“There are still things that should be improved, like the investment laws and handling of disputes, but the country was already on the right side,” he said.
“There is a lot of money out there for investment, a lot of it is chasing good opportunities, but also a lot of money chases stability.”
The forum brings together world leaders, government representatives and private-sector professionals to discuss communications, the media and a country’s image. It concludes in Sharjah today.